I have an 01 Ultra Classic and I am getting a distorted sound from the radio when it is turned up past 1/2 way and I am driving down the road.
The sound is hard to describe. It is not a foreign noise (Buzzing, static, etc)
But more of an extreme vibrato. It just sounds like it is pulsating.

Now it doesn't make any difference what source I am using (Radio, AUX, Cassette). I can't tell if the rear speakers are making this noise, but it is definitely coming out of both front speakers.

Like I said, it sounds good when the bike isn't moving or if the volume isn't turned up more than halfway. But I need to have it turned up that much in order to hear the radio over the motor.

 

does it sound like that turned up all the way when the bike is parked? My guess would be as good as yours at this point, but that info might help.

 

Audio distortion can occur when the speaker is under driven and over driven. If the sound is OK sitting still, then it's the turbulence from the wind distorting the sound waves between you and the speakers. I noticed it on my Roadie at speeds over 70 mph. If I crouch down beneath the wind, the sound clears up. Nothing changed with respect to the speaker output; just the environment between the speaker and my ears.

 

Yes, also when turned all the way up and parked.

And another note, the rear speakers sound fine.

 

Sounds like it's time for new speakers, the stock speakers are junk any way & considering they're almost 10 years old I'd say you did pretty good.

 

yeah... Id say new speaker time, but thats still not something ive ever heard before... would suck to buy new speakers and still have it happen. Id do a test 1st before buying expensive speakers.

 

Sounds like you need to give J & M a call. Your ears will thank you.

 

If he's still got the stock speakers, new speakers are still a good investment even if that isn't the problem, & if it happens to be the radio the 8ohm speakers for the older models will work with an aftermarket radio, or most any radio that will fit an 01 anyway.

 

Call Radio Sound (HD's vendor for the radio in your bike) and ask for John in Customer Service; extremely knowledgeable and helpful: (502 267-6768).

You could also pull the outer fairing and test one of your "good" rear speakers in place of the front speakers and see if you get the same distortion. If you do, the problem isn't the speakers. If you don't, the front speakers are the problem.

Carl

 

I've got the early radio also, does anybody know what the output is on these radios? I know the HK's put out 20W per channel, just wondering if the older units were as strong.